During the past twelve years this gentleman has been actively connected with the business interests of Effingham, as a dealer in harness, leather goods and vehicles of all descriptions, and has secured a very large patronage for a town the size of the one in which he makes his home. Mr. White is a native of the Sunflower state, his birth having occurred at Iowa Point, Doniphan county, October 7, 1865, his parents being John and Christena (Heastan) White. His father was a blacksmith by trade, and died in Vernon, Missouri, during the boyhood of our subject.

The latter attended the public schools in his youth, and while in his minority learned the harnessmaker's trade, which he has since followed. His close application and diligence made him an excellent workman, and his goods, therefore, find ready sale upon the market. Coming to Effingham in 1887, he opened a harness-making establishment, and now occupies a two-story building, 40 x 40 feet, the first floor being used as his store and warehouse, while the upper story has been converted into a pleasant suite of rooms in which the family reside. He carries a large line of carriages, buggies and other vehicles, together with harness and farm machinery of every sort. Throughout the surrounding country he has a liberal patronage, his trade being exceptionally large for a town the size of Effingham. His business methods are honorable, his courtesy unfailing, and thus he has secured the public support.

Mr. White was married, July 12, 1893, to Miss Della Stetler, who was born in Ohio, a daughter of John Stetler, of Atchison county. Mr. and Mrs. White are now the happy parents of two sons, Donald and Herold. In his political views our subject is a stanch Republican, and keeps well informed on the issues that divide the parties. He has served in several township offices, and in 1896 was elected mayor of Effingham, while at the present time he is serving as a member of the city council. As an official he is slow in encouraging questionable enterprises, never giving his vote until the matter has been well considered, thus frequently bringing about the results of a great saving of the city's money, while every substantial improvement at once calls forth his full sanction and aid. His effective work has been felt and acknowledged by the community and has invariably met with appropriation. Socially he is connected with the Odd Fellows society, and he and his wife attend the Methodist church, of which Mrs. White is a member. He is very popular in both business and social circles, and his courteous manner and upright life have gained him a high degree of public confidence and esteem.